" Providing relief for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants who are in distress "
Children helped by Migrant Helpline in the UK.
Children working by sea.
Young girl helped by Migrant Helpline.

Getting Involved with Migrant Helpline

Migrant Helpline Volunteering: how it works.

Getting involved in 5 easy steps:

  • You tell us you're interested
    fill in the contact form or call/e-mail us

  • We contact you
    to discuss volunteering with MHL and arrange an initial meeting

  • Initial meeting
    an informal chat about your motivations and expectations

  • Volunteer induction
    meet other volunteers, learn about MHL in-depth, meet your volunteer supervisor and fill in some legally required forms (some volunteers will attend induction after they start volunteering)

  • Start volunteering
    you'll be able to start volunteering with us in a supervised role right away; unsupervised volunteers need to wait for their CRB check to come back first

Expectations

Volunteers are an important and valued part of Migrant Helpline. We will seek to support and recognise your service and development throughout your time with us. We hope that you enjoy volunteering with us and feel a full part of our team.

MHL will:

  • provide you with an induction to the work and staff of Migrant Helpline, with support, supervision and relevant training
  • give you a role description setting out your duties
  • provide support and supervision by a named member of staff
  • protect you from unacceptable risk or danger
  • help you to go on training relevant to your role
  • respect your individuality, personality and dignity, treat any complaints you may have seriously and take necessary action
  • refund your travel expenses

MHL volunteers are asked to

  • abide by the Volunteering Policy
  • attend voluntary placements at the times agreed with supervisors
  • let supervisors or the Volunteer Co-ordinator know if they cannot attend
  • treat all staff, clients and other volunteers with dignity and respect
  • volunteer within MHL's confidentiality policy
  • attend induction and supervision sessions
  • work within the health and safety guidance provided
  • tell their supervisor or the Volunteer Co-ordinator if they are unhappy with their
    • voluntary work or have a complaint

Volunteer Induction

Migrant Helpline volunteers attend a volunteer induction, held roughly every two months.

At the induction session, volunteers learn about asylum and refugee issues, about Migrant Helpline's work, and about the policies governing volunteers' involvement. Volunteers aleo look at good practice around confidentiality and client work.

Feedback from a participant: "[Induction] covered all the relevant topics, was clear and easy to understand, was at the right pace [and I] wasn't overwhelmed with too much information."